Toddler Classrooms at Kendalwood Montessori

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Toddler A Environment

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Toddler B Environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Toddler Community is designed for children ages 18 months to 2.5 years.  This setting provides a place where children are allowed to explore their own movements and culture by being active participants in those activities that mirror what the child sees in the world around him/her.   The Toddler Classroom is meticulously prepared to provide a home-like, loving environment where children’s abilities and needs are respected and met. “Help me to help myself” is the mantra of children at this stage of development. Toddler children enrolled at Kendalwood will find that it is an extension of their home environment. The comfortability of their environment provides consistency, familiarity and order during a time of great transition and development. Here at Kendalwood we have two Toddler environments.

For example, during lunch time the children share responsibility for setting the table and for cleaning up after eating. They are provided with placemats which outline the placement of a plate or bowl, a cup and the utensils. Each Toddler classroom is also stocked with child sized brooms, mops, dustpans and spray bottles to make the cleaning ritual fun.

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Washing Station with mirror

A big part of being a Toddler involves learning to care for oneself.  We place a lot of emphasis on independence, assisting the children in learning to dress themselves, wipe their own noses, wash their hands and faces, use the toilet and to keep track of their personal belongings.  This takes up quite a bit of time during the child’s day and it is definitely a very important part of our curriculum.

Kendalwood’s classrooms are prepared with low shelves and a modest number of clearly displayed materials to create an attractive atmosphere where children will be enticed to choose materials and make decisions based on their own interests and strengths. The ability to make independent choices fosters confidence and independence.

Everything in this specially prepared environment is designed to meet the specific needs of very young children in terms of the development of receptive and expressive language and communication skills, gross and fine motor skills, toileting and independence.  The children have the freedom to make choices for themselves regarding their activity within this enriching environment.

The children are free to learn at their own pace, processing information through their senses and their actions while developing a sense of trust and autonomy. This is an environment that supports the child’s need for exploration and large motor activities; a place that fosters their internal sense of order as well as their growing linguistic skills.  This is also an environment that nurtures the beginnings of social interaction through parallel play with an emphasis on mutual respect.

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Practical Life Materials

 

Kendalwood Montessori & Elementary School is Durham Region’s first fully accredited Montessori school. At Kendalwood, we believe that our job is to inspire children to become the best students they can be. With a curriculum that focuses on developing the intellect as well as nurturing self-esteem, academics are taught, curiosity is cultivated and respect is fostered. Our approach creates an environment where students flourish and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Montessori Accreditation- A Measure of Quality

Montessori Accreditation – A Measure of Quality

Maria Montessori’s methodology has been widely used by her followers since she opened the first Casa dei Bambini over a century ago. Her innovative approach to education was never trademarked, a conscious decision made by Montessori before her passing. Over time, many of those who followed her philosophies adapted and modified Montessori’s methods. As a result, the approach found in Montessori ‘inspired’ schools can vary greatly.

In Ontario, the Ministry of Education does not oversee or ensure the quality of education in private schools.  As the term Montessori is in the public domain, any organization is free to declare themselves a “Montessori School”, regardless of their regard for genuine Montessori philosophy. The well respected Montessori name, together with the lack of regulation for its use, presents a challenge for parents seeking the best education for their child. Choosing a private school requires careful consideration. How can parents’ best assess and weigh the options?

A Measure of Quality 

As a Montessori parent, or as a parent considering Montessori for your child, you may be familiar with the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA).  This organization promotes standards of excellence in Montessori education through accreditation. By achieving CCMA accreditation, authentic Montessori schools are able to identify themselves and demonstrate their commitment to the original Montessori principles and the strict standards set by CCMA.

“The primary objective of an accreditation is to make good schools better. “

–  Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators

Durham Region’s First Fully Accredited Montessori School

Kendalwood Montessori and Elementary School is very proud to be the first fully Accredited Montessori School in Durham Region, having achieved accreditation in 2011. It was important to us to complete the CCMA accreditation for several reasons:

Accreditation reflects our deep commitment to authentic Montessori education.

Accreditation attracts the best Montessori  teachers – those who have received Montessori Teacher training from a MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) certified institution and who want to practice their craft in a school of the highest standards.

Accreditation supports ideal learning environments and outcomes for students.

We encourage parents considering a Montessori education for their child to ensure the selection process includes accreditation. Ask the right questions to gain insight into this key criterion. It’s the only existing safeguard parents have to secure a true Montessori provider.

Our Promise to Our Students

We will teach you according to the Montessori ideals created and developed by Maria Montessori. We will be your aid to life. We will help to ignite the fire for a lifelong love of learning.

 Discover the Kendalwood difference. Book your personal tour or check our school calendar for our next open house.